Button South License Ok`d

HALLANDALE — The Button South will continue to rock into the wee hours of the morning despite a complaint by one city commissioner that the popular nightspot is causing the city too many problems.

``I want an explanation of the 81 hours of police time from 4 to 6 a.m., which is double the calls from 2 to 4 a.m.,`` said Commissioner Phil Cohen.

While Cohen didn`t name the Button specifically, it was the only liquor establishment being considered for renewal of extended hours licenses that required 81 hours of police time.

Other commissioners defended the Button`s record, however.

``Would you hold the Diplomat Mall responsible for someone coming into its parking lot and hitting someone?`` asked Mayor Sam Waterman, referring to the outdoor nature of many complaints at the Button, on Ansin Boulevard.

``I don`t feel it is that horrendous when you look at the size of the place,`` said Commissioner Art Canon. The lounge can accommodate 760 people.

``I`ll defer to the police chief,`` said Commissioner Nat Cutler. ``If he thinks the number of complaints aren`t inordinate, OK.``

Vice Mayor Arthur J. ``Sonny`` Rosenberg said that if the commission penalizes the Button for calling the police, the problem could become more serious.

``I still think the city is pretty quiet at night,`` he said.

Police Chief Richard Fox said he has encouraged nightclub owners to call police at the slightest sign of a problem. They are cooperating and that is one reason the number of calls from those establishments is high, he said. He recommended renewal of the licenses of all 10 establishments that close either at 4 a.m. or 6 a.m., including the Button South.

Commissioners approved the late-closing licenses for another year provided the establishments correct problems pointed out by fire inspectors.